The 10 things you need to sell a Spanish property

Selling a home is often a costly process, not only economically, but also in terms of time, effort and emotion. We summarise, with the help of Foro Consultores, everything you need to know and do to successfully sell a property in Spain.

1. The deed or title deed to the property and the information that confirms that you are the owner.
2. Proof of cancellation of the mortgage. If it has been amortised, the document proving it is sufficient. If the loan payment is still in effect, the cancellation and expenses must be made so that the new buyer can register the property in his or her name. This operation can be done at the same time as the registration of the sale at the notary's office.
3. The Spanish Property Tax (IBI) and a certificate that proves that you are up to date with your payment are also necessary. The person responsible for paying this tax will be the person who owns the property on 1st January of the year. However, the Supreme Court has established that the seller has the right to pass on to the buyer the portion proportional to the time that each of the parties has owned the house during the year in which the tax accrues.
4. Payment of the Community fees. The manager of the building or the urbanización housing estate, with the approval of the president, must give you a certificate of payment of the communal fees to be paid by all residents for common expenses such as care of shared areas.
5. The latest paid bills for electricity, gas, water, etc.
6. A copy of the statutes and rules of the community of owners must also be passed on to the buyer.
7. The energy performance certificate. An energy performance certificate has been mandatory since 2013. The seller must provide the energy performance certificate or a copy thereof, which shall be given to the buyer. In the absence of this procedure, the notary will reverse the purchase and sale transaction.
8. If the building has passed the Technical Building Inspection (Inspección Técnica de Edificios or ITE), it is necessary to present the certificate that certifies it.
9. Certificate of habitability or first occupation. This is a requirement in some Autonomous Communities.
10. The appraisal. Having a valuation by a professional surveyor will help you put the house or flat up for sale at market price.